the arm of a partner

[WilliamTaft]

FDR refused to let photographers take pictures of him being carried or struggling to move, and he found a way to appear as if he were walking. He used a cane or the arm of a partner to balance, and then he swung his hips to make his legs move forward. Using this method, FDR “walked” to the stage at the 1924 Democratic National Convention.
Source: VOA Learning English - America's Presidents - Franklin D. Roosevelt: Powerful

Does "partner" sound natural and correct in that context?

 

[Amigos4]

I suggest the following alternatives for "partner":
He used a cane or the arm of an associate to balance...
He used a cane or the arm of an aide to balance...
He used a cane or the arm of a companion to balance...

 

[jutfrank]

Well, you've said in your other post that the woman speaking here is also the writer, in which case it must be natural, mustn't it? How do you think it could be otherwise?

 

[emsr2d2]

As an ESL learner, I would say "someone" in that context.

"He used a cane or the arm of a someone to balance" is certainly unnatural!

 

[jutfrank]

A writer using their own first language would also write something awkward sometimes.

Not really. I mean, not if the writer is half-decent, and especially not if the piece has gone through another pair of eyes such as an editor.

As an ESL learner, I would say "someone" in that context.

The use of the word 'partner' is perfectly natural here, so I'm curious as to why you think it might not be, and why you think 'someone' may be a better alternative. Can you say why? I'm just trying to understand what you're asking.

 

[tedmc]

I think using "someone" is neutral compared to "partner" which suggests a relationship with that person The focus is on the assistance received by an immobile person from someone, the relationship being irrelevant.

 

[SoothingDave]

A "partner" need not be someone you have a "relationship" with. A partner is someone with whom you are doing something.